Humorous Speech M Robinson
Ask for what you want.
Mr Contest Chair, friends, good evening!
“Ask and you shall receive,’’ the Good Book said. Tonight I’m going to tell you a true story of how I used this advice, and you can too.
Some years back I was walking up the steps of the British Museum.
Coming towards me was a distinguished gentleman. He was fifty or so with silver hair elegantly swept back. His jacket was corduroy, with leather elbow patches. He had a university scarf loose about his neck, and wore rimless spectacles.
I was about to pass him. He stopped me, and said.
‘‘Please tell me your name, I need to ask a favour.’’
‘‘My name is Mike Robinson, how can I help you?’’
‘‘Mike,’’ he said, ‘‘Can you lend me forty pound?’’
He explained that he had locked his keys and wallet in his car. He lived in Oxford and was anxious to return that night to celebrate his wedding anniversary.
He said that if I was there the same time next day, he would repay me. I had planned a second visit anyway, and agreed.
I gave him forty pound.
As he was leaving, I asked his name. “Winston Carter,” he said, “Professor Carter.” And he was gone.
I was on the steps the following day. He did not turn up. I knew then that I had been swindled.
The sharpness of the loss faded in the weeks ahead. I was struck with the skill of the man. I determined to meet him again.
I returned to the British museum a month later. He was on the steps again, using the same tactics as he had with me.
I came from behind him. An American gentleman had handed him a large wad of notes.
I grasped him firmly by the elbow. “Good afternoon, professor,” I said, “I want my money back. Forty pound please.’’
He knew me at once. I held him, and pointed to a policeman nearby. “Make a move and I’ll call the law. I want to speak to you.’’
He counted forty pounds and gave them to me.
“Professor,’’ I said, “With your skills, you could make a fortune as an honest man.’’
He looked at me with a wry smile.
He tucked the money from the American gentleman into his wallet. It was more than I could earn in a week.
“Look,’’ he said. “If I give you advice that would serve you well, can I go without fuss? You have your money back.’’
I said I would, and asked him what he meant.
“Whenever you want something very badly’’ he said. “Work out exactly what it is. Go to the person who can give it to you. Ask them very directly for what you want.’’
“Easier said than done.’’ I said.
‘‘Think about what you have seen me do. I asked you for forty pound. You gave it to me. You asked for it back. I gave it to you.’’
I looked at the floor considering the truth of what he had said. When I looked up, he was gone.
I took his advice, and determined to try it out.
Sometime later in America I asked the owner of a business for a job in which I had no previous experience. He gave it to me.
Two years ago I returned to England, and applied to study mathematics part time at University. I got in.
Recently I asked the owner of a very desirable flat on the Thames at Limehouse, to rent it to me. He agreed, and I live there now.
Mr Contest Master, friends, use this principle, from the Good Book, or from Professor Carter, to ask for what you want in life…a new house, a job, or guys, the hand of your beloved.
Work out exactly what you desire, know who to ask. Go up to them. ASK very directly for what you want.
You may be surprised how often your request is granted!
Goodnight!